Land exchange with Weatherford in discussion

Willow Park may be about to get a little bigger and Weatherford may be about to shrink a little. The cities of Willow Park and Weatherford are considering an adjustment in their boundaries. The adjustments would take place between the extraterritorial jurisdiction of both cities.

Extraterritorial jurisdiction is the area where a city has the legal ability to exercise authority beyond its normal boundaries.

Should the agreement become a reality, Willow Park officials confirmed their city would gain a little more than 700 acres along the south side of White Settlement Road and about another 20 acres along the south side of Crown Road. Weatherford would acquire about 365 acres on the north side of White Settlement Road in the exchange.

So far, not much in the way of development has taken place on these sites. However, that will not likely remain the case, given the continued growth and development of both cities.

“This boundary adjustment will provide a more logical alignment of the ETJ boundary within the City of Weatherford. It will provide for more contiguous development and effective delivery of municipal infrastructure for both cities,” Willow Park City Manager Bryan Grimes said.

“Willow Park staff and administration have worked with the City of Weatherford to develop this agreement for the benefit of both cities.”

An article in the Dallas Business Journal noted the Weatherford City Council has already approved the joint resolution at its most recent meeting on Tuesday, April 11. Willow Park officials said they are going to discuss the matter further and possibly take action at the April 25 city council meeting.